foods

Article
The Postharvest Quality of Fresh Sweet Cherries and
Strawberries with an Active Packaging System
Valentina Chiabrando 1, * , Luigi Garavaglia 2 and Giovanna Giacalone 1
1 Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Braccini 2,
10095 Grugliasco, Italy
2 Ilip s.r.l., Via Castelfranco, 52, 40053 Valsamoggia (BO), Italy
* Correspondence: valentina.chiabrando@unito.it; Tel.: +39-011-670-8938




Received: 24 June 2019; Accepted: 8 August 2019; Published: 9 August 2019


Abstract: This study assessed the effect of the recently-introduced Life+ (ILIP, Valsamoggia, Italy)
active packaging system on the postharvest quality of sweet cherries and strawberries. This system uses
Equilibrium Modified Atmosphere Packaging (EMAP) to achieve specific intra-package conditions
with three synergistic elements: an unvented and anti-mist heat sealable container, an active
(naturally-antimicrobial) pad, and a heat-sealed, laser micro-perforated film of a specified gas
permeability. Post-packaging quality parameters were monitored for 10 (strawberries) and 15 days
(cherries): headspace gas concentration, weight loss, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, pH, disease
incidence, and sensory quality. Results showed that use of the Life+ system delayed postharvest
senescence by maintaining fruit color, acidity, and vitamin C content, and decreasing fruit weight loss
and decay. The use of EMAP in sweet cherry resulted in enhanced sensory qualities compared to
traditional perforated containers. The results suggest that the Life+ system leads to better sensory
properties and improved shelf-life for strawberries and sweet cherries.

Keywords: active pad; equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging; Life+ system; container; shelf
life; storage

1. Introduction
The physiological characteristics of sweet cherries and strawberries make both fruits highly
perishable and more susceptible to surface fungal spoilage during cold storage in comparison to other
crops [1]. Not surprisingly, the postharvest storage periods of these fruits are limited by factors such
as water loss, softening, color loss, stem browning, and surface pitting [2], as well as by diseases
caused by common plant pathogens, in particular Monilinia laxa, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternate,
Penicillium expansum, Rhizopus stolonifera, and Cladosporium spp. [3]. Recently-created European
legislation [4] restricts the use of synthetic fungicides to control postharvest diseases, which has shifted
the focus of research to the development of innovative and sustainable strategies to preserve fruit and
vegetable quality through non-chemical means.
To extend and preserve the shelf-life of strawberries and cherries, several technologies have been
tested, such as treatment with edible coatings, calcium dipping, UV radiation, ultrasound, hot water,
and modified atmosphere packaging [2,5–8]. Among these, MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging)
and EMAP (Equilibrium Modified Atmosphere Packaging) are the most commonly used methods
to prolong the postharvest life of fresh produce [9]. EMAP is MAP technology augmented with a
permeable film that allows the O2 and CO2 transmitted through the film to be balanced with the
respiration rate of the product or fruit [10,11].
Antimicrobials embedded in the film, or a label release active compound, is a new form of active
packaging. This packaging interacts with the packaged food or the package headspace in order to reduce,

Foods 2019, 8, 335; doi:10.3390/foods8080335 www.mdpi.com/journal/foods

Foods 2019, 8, 335 2 of 12

retard, or even inhibit the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. This antimicrobial
active packaging can take several forms, including direct incorporation of the active compound into the
polymer matrix, coating it onto the packaging surface, or immobilizing it in sachets or pads. Among the
antimicrobial agents used, compounds of natural origin, such as several components of plant essential
oils (EO) and food aromas, are preferred [12,13]. The antimicrobial activity of EOs is attributed to their
major phenolic compounds (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol), present in concentrations as high as
85% [14]. Medeiros et al. [15] developed antifungal sachets incorporated with oregano and lemongrass
essential oils as part of a packaging system used for mangoes and achieved a reduction of fungal growth
during storage. Seo et al. [16] developed an antimicrobial sachet incorporated with encapsulated AITC
(allyl isothiocyanate) for treating spinach leaves, resulting in a reduction of microorganisms. Absorbent
pads incorporated with copper nanoparticles showed positive effects on melon, kiwi, and pineapple
preservation [17].
ILIP S.r.l. (Valsamoggia, Bazzano (BO), Italy) is a firm that has expanded the concept of EMAP
with its newly-introduced Life+ packaging system. This system is based on three different pack
components: an unvented and anti-mist heat sealable container, an active (antimicrobial) pad, and a
heat-sealed laser-perforated film. This is the only system that combines a heat-sealed film with the
use of an antimicrobial pad inside a food container. The makers of Life+ technology claim that their
packaging increases food quality and extends shelf-life compared to traditional packaging, by reducing
metabolism and inhibiting microorganisms.
To this end, our research evaluated the effects of the Life+ technology (EMAP + antimicrobial pad)
on the quality of strawberries and sweet cherries during storage.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Plant Material

The sweet cherry (cv. Ferrovia) and strawberry (cv. Marmolada) fruit for this study were
hand-picked from commercial orchards located in Vignola (Modena, Italy) and Peveragno (Cuneo,
Italy), respectively. Each fruit type was selected for its uniformity of ripeness and size, as well as
the absence of physical injuries and microbial infections. The samples were randomly distributed
into PET containers with approximately 300 g of fruit in each. In total, there were 90 containers for
cherries and 60 for strawberries. The first half of the fruit was placed in Life+ PET containers (16 cm ×
9 cm × 9 cm) containing an antimicrobial pad on the bottom. The containers were then sealed with
laser-perforate film Topaz 421 (21 µm of thickness with 25 holes of 70 µ per linear meter and an OTR
of 2397.18 cc/m2 /d) (Plastopil–Israel). The other half of the fruit was placed in traditional perforated
containers with hinged lids and pressure closures (16 cm × 10 cm × 8 cm) (study control group).
The traditional containers included 20 macro-holes, 4 circular holes (8 mm) at the bottom of the tray,
and 16 holes at the top lid (4 circular holes of 8 mm and 12 rectangular holes of 5 mm × 15 mm).
The cherry and strawberry samples were stored for 15 and 10 days, respectively, in a cold room at
6 ◦ C and 90%–95% R.H.

2.2. Gas Monitoring

The oxygen (O2 ) and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentrations in the headspace of the packaged
samples were monitored daily using a portable CheckPoint II gas analyzer (Dansensor, Segrate,
Italy). A needle attached to the gas analyzer was inserted through a rubber septum into the package.
Three replicates per treatment (total = 6) were performed each day throughout the duration of storage.
Results were expressed as the average O2 and CO2 kilopascals for the three replicates.
Foods 2019, 8, 335 3 of 12

2.3. Weight Loss

Weight loss was determined by weighing the fruit at 0, 5, and 15 days for cherries and at 0, 5, and
10 days for strawberries. Results were expressed as the percentage of weight lost relative to the initial
weight, according to Equation (1):

WL (%) = 100 × W0 − Wt /W0 (1)

where WL is the percentage of weight lost, W0 is the initial weight of the fresh fruit sample, and Wt is
the weight of the fruit sample at time t.

2.4. Color Measurements

Color analysis was performed after 0, 5, 10, and 15 days for cherries and after 0, 5, and 10 days for
strawberries. The characteristics of color [L*, a*, b* and chroma (C*)] were measured at two points
along the equatorial section of the fruit skin with a chroma meter, Illuminant C (Minolta, model CR-400,
Tokyo, Japan). Chromatic analyses were conducted in accordance with the Commission Internationale
de l’Eclairage (CIE) system. The C * value, calculated with the formula:

C* = (a*2 + b*2 )1/2 (2)

was used to represent the color saturation [18]. For each fruit type, color characteristic measurements
resulted from the average ± SD of 30 measurements of each treatment taken at each time.

2.5. Quality Measurements

The total soluble solids (%) and titratable acidity (meq L−1 ) were measured on day 0, 5, 10, and
15 for cherries and on day 0, 5, and 10 for strawberries in triplicate using clear juice. This juice
was extracted from the fruit blended at a high speed in a tissue homogenizer (Ultra-Turrax T-25,
IKA Labortechnik, Saufen, Germany) and then centrifuged for 5 min at 1254× g (Centrifuge AVANTITM
J-25, Beckman Instruments, Fullerton, CA, USA). Total soluble solids were determined with a digital
refractometer (Atago model PR-32, Milano, Italy). Titratable acidity was measured from the clear juice
of each sample (10 mL juice diluted in 10 mL of distilled water), and titrated automatically with 0.1 N
NaOH to an 8.1 pH by using Titralab AT1000 Series (Radiometer Analytical, Villeurbanne, France) and
then expressed as milliequivalents per liter (MEQ/L).
The analysis of Vitamin C followed Sanchez-Moreno et al. [19], with 10 g of each sample combined
with 10 mL of a water-diluted methanol extraction solvent (ratio of 5:95 v/v). The sample was
homogenized with an Ultra-Turrax T-25 Tissue homogenizer (IKA Labortechnik, Saufen, Germany) for
1 min at a relative centrifugal force of 45,158× g, and then centrifuged for 15 min at 1254 g (Centrifuge
AVANTITM J-25, Beckman Instruments, Fullerton, CA, USA). The pH of the samples was adjusted to
2.2–2.4, and the extract was adsorbed on a C18 Sep-Pak cartridge (Waters Associates, Milford, MA,
USA). The resultant solution was added to 1,2-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (Fluka Chemika,
Neu-Ulm, Switzerland) and left for 37 min in the dark at room temperature before HPLC analysis.
The chromatographic system (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) was equipped with a
Kinetex-C18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm, Phenomenex, Torrance, CA, USA), a pump, and a diode array
detector. The mobile phase (isocratic) consisted of 0.05 mol·L−1 of monobasic potassium phosphate
and 0.005 mol·L−1 of cetrimide in a water-diluted methanol solution (5:95 v/v). The flow rate was
0.9 mL min−1 , and the total run time was 15 min. The detector was set at 261 nm for ascorbic acid
and 348 nm for dehydroascorbic acid. Vitamin C content was calculated as the sum of ascorbic and
dehydroascorbic acid content and expressed as mg 100 g−1 of fresh weight.
All standards and reagents were of analytical purity “pro-analysis” and purchased from SIGMA
(Sigma Italiana SRL, Ozzano Emilia, Italy).
Foods 2019, 8, 335 4 of 12

2.6. Disease Incidence

The fruits were examined for signs of fungal infection (mold) at 5, 10, and 15 days for cherries and
at 5 and 10 days for strawberries [20]. Fruits with visible mold growth were considered to be decayed
and were weighted. The weight of the decayed fruit was divided by the initial weight of the sample
and expressed as a percentage, according to Equation (2):

DI (%) = 100 × (DW/SW) (3)

where DI is the percentage of decay incidence, SW is the sample weight, and DW is the infected
fruit weight.

2.7. Sensory Evaluation (Cherries)

A panel of 15 judges with sensory evaluation experience assessed the changes in the sensory
properties of the cherries during storage. Samples were labeled with random three-digit codes and
presented to the panelists in a random order. The evaluators were asked to use an anchored line scale
to rate differences between the treatments according to berry color, stem color, surface shrivel, berry
decay, sweetness, acidity, juiciness, and overall quality. Cherry quality was scored along a range of 0–9,
with “low intensity” and “high intensity” being the anchor points of the scale (0 = poor/no quality,
4.5 = medium quality, 9 = excellent characteristics) [21,22]. All eight of the parameters were evaluated
after 5, 10, and 15 days.

2.8. Visual Quality Evaluation (Strawberries)

The visual quality evaluation of the strawberries was performed every day during the 10 days of
storage by 15 trained judges that assigned a score (1–5) to the sample: 1 corresponded to very poor
quality, 3 to medium/acceptable quality, and 5 to excellent quality [23]. The assessors were trained to
detect minimal changes in fruit appearance and had extensive experience using the scale.

2.9. Statistical Analysis

The experiments were carried out using a completely randomized design with three replicates.
All data parameters were expressed as the mean ± SD. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was
applied between the Life+ and control fruit for each storage time using Statistica software (Statistica
10.0, Statsoft Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA). The sources of variation were the packaging treatment and storage
time. Means were compared using Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05).

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Headspace Gas Composition

Packaging cherries with a Topaz film creates a modified internal atmosphere (reduced O2 and
increased CO2 content) via the metabolism of the fruit. The Life+ packaged cherries reached a
steady-state atmosphere (14 kPa for O2 and 8 kPa for CO2 ) after just one day. The same trend was
reported in a previous study by Caner et al. (2008), in which the observed steady-state O2 concentration
was above that recommended for O2 (3–10 kPa) for MAP cherries [24]. In the case of cherries, the
observed CO2 levels fell within the recommended levels (8–10 kPa) in MAP storage conditions [25],
a result that is attributed to the ability of the film to regulate O2 and CO2 concentrations inside the
packaging. By comparison, no O2 or CO2 changes were detected in the control packages due to the
presence of holes on the container.
The O2 concentrations inside all the Life+ packaged strawberries decreased rapidly during the
initial days of storage, and a steady-state concentration was established between the second and third
day. According to Chen et al. [26], MAP packaging takes approximately three days to generate a
steady-state atmosphere passively through produce respiration. In this study, the O2 concentration
Foods 2019, 8, 335 5 of 12

fell from 21 kPa to a steady-state value of about 12 kPa, whereas the CO2 concentration hovered
around 10 kPa in both treatments following an initial rapid increase in CO2 concentration from 0 kPa
to 6 kPa inside all the packages during the first day. Overall, the study values were similar to previous
strawberry research [27,28]. As expected, the O2 and CO2 values were unchanged in the clamshell
packages due to the presence of holes on the containers.

3.2. Weight Loss

The weight lost from the loss of water in the cherries increased during storage in both treatments
(Table 1). In general, losses were significantly smaller (below 0.12%) after 15 days of storage with
the use of the innovative packaging. The decreasing water losses during storage effectively limited
undesirable wilting, shriveling, and color changes. Moreover, it is assumed that the Life+ system
maintained a higher relative humidity in the packs due to the heat sealing that reduced the vapor
pressure deficit and, consequently, lowered the transpiration.

Table 1. Weight loss of sweet cherries stored at 6 ◦ C for 15 days.

Days of Storage
Treatment
5 10 15
Life+ 0.05 ± 0.01 b,C 0.08 ± 0.01 b,B 0.12 ± 0.03 b,A
Weight loss (%)
Control 0.95 ± 0.25 a,B 1.75 ± 0.33 a,A,B 2.32 ± 0.41 a,A,1
1Means values ± standard deviation followed by the same letter are not significantly different at a p ≤ 0.05 level.
Lowercase letters in the same column are used to compare treatments. Uppercase letters in the same row are used to
compare storage times.

The weight loss of the strawberry samples in storage under passive EMAP and the control is
shown in Table 2. When fruits like strawberries are stored in MAP, their weight loss is usually very low
(0.2%–2%) [27–30]. Life+ creates a modified atmosphere with higher CO2 and lower O2 concentrations
around the produce, which slows metabolic processes and transpiration. Moreover, due to an adequate
water vapor barrier inside the packaging, the samples yielded an extremely small weight loss compared
to the control. By the end of the storage, the cumulative weight losses in the Life+ samples averaged
<0.1%, compared to an average of 3.5% for the control fruit.

Table 2. Weight loss of strawberries stored at 6 ◦ C for 15 days.

Days of Storage
Treatment
5 10
Life+ 0.05 ± 0.01 b,B 0.09 ± 0.02 b,A
Weight loss (%)
Control 1.74 ± 0.35 a,B 3.58 ± 0.84 a,A,1
1 Mean values ± standard deviation followed by the same letter are not significantly different at p≤ 0.05 level.
Lowercase letters in the same column are used to compare treatments. Uppercase letters in the same row are used to
compare storage times.

3.3. Quality Parameter

At harvest, the chroma index (color intensity or saturation) for cherries was 17.71, which diminished
significantly during storage in both treatments. Despite the trend, the Life+ packaged cherries had
significantly higher values throughout storage (Table 3), which likely indicates that the fruits stored
with EMAP retained their vivid color longer during storage. Fruit lightness (or brightness), which
measures the ratio of white (100) to black (0) color, decreased significantly during storage. On the other
hand, the L * value differences among the treatments were not significant, with the exception of Life+
fruits after 10 days of storage. In this case, the cherries had a more brilliant and lighter color. In all
cases, the study results aligned with those of Serrano et al. and Valero et al. [31,32].
Foods 2019, 8, 335 6 of 12

Table 3. Color parameters of sweet cherries stored at 6 ◦ C for 15 days.

Day of Storage
Treatment
0 5 10 15
Life+ 17.7 ± 1.1 a,A 13.4 ± 0.9 a,B 15.5 ± 1.2 a,B 15.4 ± 0.8 a,B
C*
Control 17.7 ± 1.1 a,A 9.8 ± 1.3 b,B 12.6 ± 1.4 b,B 12.1 ± 0.7 b,B
Life+ 25.2 ± 1.7 a,A 20.5 ± 1.1 a,B 19.2 ± 1.1 a,B 15.6 ± 1.1 a,B
L*
Control 25.2 ± 1.7 a,A 23.2 ± 1.2 a,B 16.2 ± 0.9 b,B 15.2 ± 0.9 a,B,1
1Mean values ± standard deviation followed by the same letter are not significantly different at the p ≤ 0.05 level.
Lowercase letters in the same column are used to compare treatments. Uppercase letters in the same row are used to
compare storage times.

The total soluble solid (TSS) content is related to the taste for a variety of fruit, including strawberries
and cherries, and is commonly used to establish the optimal harvest and postharvest quality. The initial
TSS (17.5%) of fresh cherries indicated good maturity, as described by Kappel et al. [33]. In this study,
the TSS values for the Life+ samples initially decreased and then increased slightly during storage as a
result of ripening (Table 4). The control cherry TSS values did not change during storage.

Table 4. The evolution of the quality parameters of sweet cherries (Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Titratable
Acidity (TA), and Vitamin C content) stored at 6 ◦ C for 0 to 15 days.

Day of Storage
Treatment
0 5 10 15
Life+ 17.5 ± 0.9 a,A 16.4 ± 0.9 a,B 17.5 ± 0.7 a,A 17.4 ± 1.1 a,A
TSS (◦ Brix)
Control 17.5 ± 0.9 a,A 17.6 ± 1.0 a,B 17.7 ± 0.9 a,A 17.3 ± 2.0 a,A
Life+ 89.9 ± 2.2 a,A 71.2 ± 2.3 a,B 82.5 ± 1.1 a,A 70.4 ± 2.3 a,B
TA (meq/L)
Control 89.9 ± 2.2 a,A 69.7 ± 0.9 a,b,B 67.8 ± 1.7 b,B 65.0 ± 2.4 b,B
Life+ 4.0 ± 0.3 a,B 4.1 ± 0.1 b,B 4.2 ± 0.1 a,A 4.3 ± 0.1 b,A
pH
Control 4.0 ± 0.3 a,B 4.2 ± 0.1 a,A 4.2 ± 0.2 a,A 4.3 ± 0.1 a,A
Life+ 9.8 ± 1.1 a,A 9.7 ± 3.2 a,A
Vitamin C (mg * 100 g−1 FW)
Control 9.8 ± 1.1 a,A 6.1 ± 2.1 b,B,1
1 Mean values ± standard deviation followed by the same letter are not significantly different at p ≤ 0.05 level.
Lowercase letters in the same column are used to compare treatments. Uppercase letters in the same row are used to
compare storage times.

Storage time caused a significant decrease in the acidity of cherry samples (Table 4). Among
treatments, TA was significantly higher with the Life+ system than with the control. This effect is
considered important because the preservation of TA during storage maintains the aroma and taste of
freshly-harvested cherries. A decrease in TA is a natural trend during fruit ripening. However, higher
values found in active packaging result in higher quality during storage. Caner et al. [10] reported the
same results in a study where the equilibrium of the atmosphere reached in the packaging affected the
senescence and significantly reduced the loss of quality.
The pH level increased slightly during storage under both treatments (Table 4). At the end of
storage, significant differences were detected between the EMAP and the control, which is similar
to other results [34–36]. The equilibrium-modified-atmosphere inside the Life+ packaging had no
significant effect on pH.
The Vitamin C content in the cherry samples was measured on day 0 and day 15 of cold storage.
Significant differences were observed between the control and treatment (Table 4). Vitamin C content
losses in the control were significantly higher than those in the Life+ samples. Vitamin C declines
rapidly after harvest and during storage. In general, MAP-treated cherries maintained their initial
level of Vitamin C content during storage by establishing an atmosphere (appropriate CO2 and low
O2 concentrations) slowed fruit respiration and decreased senescence. Qian et al. [37] described
Foods 2019, 8, 335 7 of 12

how an appropriate concentration of CO2 prevents declines in vitamin C due to the reduction of
enzymatic synthesis.
The lightness (L * value) and intensity of color (C * value) of “Marmolada” strawberries are
displayed in Table 5. The chroma index (C *) reflects color saturation; higher values correspond to the
development of an intense red color. In this case, the higher values of C * measured on day 5 and 10 in
the Life+ -packaged fruit indicated that the red color of the strawberries was purer and more vivid than
that of the control.

Table 5. Color parameters of strawberries stored at 6 ◦ C for 10 days.

Day of Storage
Treatment
0 5 10
Life+ 31.1 ± 3.1 a,B 36.4 ± 2.1 a,A,B 39.2 ± 3.2 a,A
C*
Control 31.1 ± 3.1 a,A 30.3 ± 1.8 b,A 13.6 ± 0.9 b,B
Life+ 37.4 ± 2.0 a,A 34.3 ± 2.2 a,B 31.7 ± 3.2 a,C
L*
Control 37.4 ± 2.0 a,A 32.9 ± 1.9 b,B 29.1 ± 3.4 b,C,1
1Mean values ± standard deviation followed by the same letter are not significantly different at a p ≤ 0.05 level.
Lowercase letters in the same column are used to compare treatments. Uppercase letters in the same row are used to
compare storage times.

The L * values significantly decreased during storage as a consequence of the pink-red color that
naturally develops when strawberries ripen. In this study, the L * value of the actively-packaged
fruit remained higher than that of the control packages. The same trend was observed for ‘Selva’
strawberries during another postharvest study [38].
The results from the evaluation of strawberry quality during storage are summarized in Table 6.
In this study, the TSS of the ‘Marmolada’ strawberries in EMAP was relatively stable throughout
storage, whereas TSS declined significantly in the control samples. The lower values in the control can
be explained by the use of sugars for respiration during storage [36].

Table 6. Evolution of quality parameters for strawberries (Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Titratable Acidity
(TA), and Vitamin C content) during cold storage at 6 ◦ C for 0 to 10 days.

Day of Storage
Treatment
0 5 10
Life+ 7.0 ± 0.3 a,A 6.6 ± 0.5 a,A 6.9 ± 0.3 a,A
TSS (◦ Brix)
control 7.0 ± 0.3 a,A 5.7 ± 0.2 b,B 5.9 ± 0.4 b,B
Life+ 106.7 ± 5.2 a,A 105.2 ± 4.8 a,A 104.1 ± 3.2 a,A
TA (meq/L)
control 106.7 ± 5.2 a,A 84.6 ± 3.9 b,B 78.3 ± 6.8 b,B
Life+ 3.4 ± 0.4 a,A 3.5 ± 0.4 a,A 3.5 ± 0.3 a,A
pH
control 3.4 ± 0.4 a,A 3.7 ± 0.34 a,A 3.6 ± 0.4 a,A
Life+ 52.8 ± 3.0 a,A 46.1 ± 2.1 a,B 46.2 ± 3.0 a,B
Vitamin C (mg * 100 g−1 FW)
control 52.8 ± 3.0 a,A 41.7 ± 2.0 b,B 41.8 ± 1.2 b,B,1
1Mean values ± standard deviation followed by the same letter are not significantly different at a p ≤ 0.05 level.
Lowercase letters in the same column are used to compare treatments. Uppercase letters in the same row are used to
compare storage times.

As with TSS, the total acid content (TA) of the control strawberries decreased significantly during
storage (Table 6), probably due to greater respiration and higher amounts of organic acids that were
used as substrates in this process. Specifically, a comparison of the TA postharvest quality results of
the control-packaged fruit to the Life+ system-packaged fruit showed sizeable decreases in the former
and only a slight decrease in the latter packaging over time.
Foods 2019, 8, 335 8 of 12

Measurements of pH in both the control and Life+ fruit were close to 4.5. No significant variation
in pH was detected during storage for either treatment (Table 6). Previous studies [39,40], have also
found the pH to be unaffected by storage or MAP packaging.

3.4. Decay Incidence

The effect of packaging on cherry decay is shown in Table 7. Fruit was considered unacceptable
when one disorder, mainly fungal spoilage, was visible, according to the parameters established by
Sanz et al. [41]. Disorders were evident on the fifth day of storage. The number of infected fruit grew
significantly with storage for both treatments. The percentage of decay was lower in the Life+ samples
than in the control, and a difference was significant at every time of measurement. After 15 days, the
control exhibited the greatest level of visible disorders with about 5% of the cherries having infections
(Table 7). These data support the Life+ system claims that their system protects fruit against fungal and
microbial attack, and that this effect persists throughout storage, with a positive and effective impact
on waste reduction at the retail and consumer levels.

Table 7. Decay incidence (%) in sweet cherries stored at 6 ◦ C after 5 to 15 days.

Day of Storage
Treatment
5 10 15
Life+ 0.21 ± 0.05 b,B 0.45 ± 0.09 b,B 0.62 ± 0.03 b,A
Decay incidence (%)
Control 1.00 ± 0.12 a,C 2.02 ± 0.19 a,B 4.78 ± 0.85 a,A,1
1Mean values ± standard deviation followed by the same letter are not significantly different at a p ≤ 0.05 level.
Lowercase letters in the same column are used to compare treatments. Uppercase letters in the same row are used to
compare storage times.

This study demonstrated that the decay incidence in strawberries was significantly affected by
treatment. Five percent of the control berries showed fungal development after five days, and this
percentage grew during storage. On the other hand, the Life+ system fruit’s decay was delayed and
significantly less significant. Five days after storage, no disorders were observed. By the end of storage,
the number of infected strawberries in the active packaging reached 8%, compared with 30% in the
control. The effect of the pad on decay reduction was clearly observed in the active packaging.

3.5. Sensory Analysis (Sweet Cherries)

The sensory quality of the cherries decreased during storage in both treatments. After five days,
cherries stored in active packaging had better quality in terms of stem color, decay, acidity, and overall
quality compared to the control. During storage, evaluators assigned lower scores for stem color and
berry decay (quality attributes) to the control than to the EMAP samples, akin to the ratings in Serrano
et al. [31]. At the end of storage, the control had a greater loss in quality than the Life+ packaged
samples. Moreover, the overall quality, acidity, and sweetness indicated that the EMAP-stored cherries
had better sensory quality than those stored in traditional containers (Figure 1).
Foods 2019, 8, 335 9 of 12

Figure 1. Sensory evaluation of sweet cherries after 5 (a), 10 (b), and 15 (c) days of storage at 6 ◦ C.

3.6. Visual Quality (Strawberries)

The overall visual quality score of strawberries decreased gradually during storage in both
treatments (Table 8). The EMAP samples maintained excellent quality (score 5) for six days, after
which their quality declined. The control samples received lower and non-marketable scores after eight
Foods 2019, 8, 335 10 of 12

days. Decay was the main issue. The high susceptibility of strawberries to Botrytis cinerea shortens the
shelf-life of strawberries [42]. Here, approximately 30% of fruit was infected after 10 days.

Table 8. Visual quality evaluation of strawberries stored at 6 ◦ C for 10 days.

Day of Storage
Treatment
0 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10
Life+ 5.0 ± 0.0 5.0 ± 0.0 5.0 ± 0.0 5.0 ± 0.0 5.0 ± 0.0 4.5 ± 0.4 3.5 ± 0.4 3.0 ± 0.6 2.5 ± 0.7
Control 5.0 ± 0.0 5.0 ± 0.0 4.5 ± 0.3 4.5 ± 0.4 3.5 ± 0.5 3.0 ± 0.6 2.5 ± 0.5 1.5 ± 0.4 1.0 ± 0.0 1
1 Means values ± standard deviation.

4. Conclusions
Maintaining the quality of highly-perishable fruit, such as sweet cherries and strawberries, is
challenging. This study demonstrated that EMAP packaging sustained an atmosphere of higher CO2
and lower O2 concentrations, which reduced decay rates, maintained higher acidity and Vitamin C
content, and preserved the bright red color of the fruits during a storage time of 5 days for strawberries
and 15 days for sweet cherries. The Life+ system reduced weight loss and maintained sensory quality
in cherries. The use of the antimicrobial pad, a component of the Life+ system, demonstrated a
capability to reduce microorganism growth, which, in turn, has the potential to reduce postharvest
waste. In conclusion, EMAP equipped with an antimicrobial pad can be used to store sweet cherries and
strawberries. This innovative packaging offers a viable alternative for producers that need prolonged
storage. One example that is especially enticing for the application of the Life+ system is its use in
combination with refrigerated storage in situations of longer pre-distribution transportation times.
This combination represents expanded market opportunities for producers.

Author Contributions: Data curation, V.C.; Formal analysis, V.C.; Funding acquisition, G.G.; Methodology, G.G.;
Project administration, L.G.; Writing—original draft, V.C.
Funding: This study was partially supported by the ILIP® company.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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